Hawaii 24/7 Editor

The Hawaii state auditor says regulating zipline companies would be expensive and may be unnecessary.

State Auditor Marion Higa has released a 29-page report reviewing a proposal that directs the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to regulate zipline adventure tours.

However, Higa said setting up a regulation system would cost $400,000 and implementation would run about $350,000 annually.

Higa also said the Legislature should approach regulating adventure activities with caution and consider issues of potential state legal liability, regulatory agency competence and the resources needed.

There is not enough evidence to suggest ziplines are seriously dangerous, Higa said.

Although a worker died in September 2011 while testing a new line just north of Hilo, Higa said the industry in general has a good safety record given that such activities are inherently risky.

The bill currently under consideration would require the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to issue permits to zipline and canopy tour operators in the form of certificates of inspection, to perform initial and annual inspections, and to accept private inspectors who meet challenge course standards.

Higa submitted the report to Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state Legislature.

According to the report, more than 250,000 people have ziplined since the first company opened in Hawaii a decade ago.

Currently, 22 zipline and canopy tours operate in Hawaii, including:

* One on Oahu — Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline

* Eight on Maui — FlynHawaiian, GoZip Hawaii Ziplines, North Shore Zipline, Paradise Eco Adventures at Maui Dragon Fruit Farm, Piiholo Ranch Zipline, Maui Tropical Plantation, and Skyline Eco-Adventures (at Haleakala and Kaanapali)

* Four on Kauai — Kauai Backcountry Adventures, Just Live, Outfitters Kauai Ltd., Princeville Ranch

* Nine on the Big Island — Big Island Eco Adventures, Hawaii Zipline Tours, LLC, Hawaii Forest & Trails, Honolii Mountain Outpost, KapohoKine Adventures, Kohala Zipline, The Umauma Experience, Paani Ranch, and World Botanical Gardens

— Find out more:
http://www.state.hi.us